asked the Minister for Education whether his attention has been drawn to the statement made by Mr. Charles MacCarthy, General Secretary, Vocational Teachers' Association, on 28th November last, advocating the setting up of some machinery between his Department, the Department of Industry and Commerce and the Department of Agriculture, which would ensure that there would be interrelation of technical educational services; and whether he will consider setting up some authority along the lines suggested by Mr. MacCarthy to co-ordinate technical services.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Co-ordination of Technical Education Services.
112.
My attention has been drawn to the statement referred to in the Deputy's question.
I must reject any suggestion that there is lack of co-ordinating machinery between my Department and other State Departments in the matter of technical education services. The existing practice of inter-Departmental consultation and collaboration provides ample scope for the desired purpose and it would be to be feared that the setting up of an additional body, such as suggested, would only have the effect of needlessly complicating present arrangements.